NAU, Cardinals solidify partnership; training camp schedule set

The Arizona Cardinals will return to the NAU campus for the next three summers to attend preseason training camp.

Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Cardinals announced today the signing of a three-year contract extension that will keep the team’s training camp at NAU’s Flagstaff campus.

Coaches and players will report for the 2010 training camp on Friday, July 30. A detailed practice schedule for the camp will be announced next week.

“The partnership between Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Cardinals is important to the university and this community,” said NAU President John Haeger.“The Cardinals are an exciting team to watch, and we are pleased to offer the best training environment in the state for the team and its fans to enjoy.”

NAU has hosted the Cardinals’ training camp since 1988, bringing an estimated $2 million boost to northern Arizona’s economy through tourism.

Reporters from around the country are expected to cover Cardinals’ training camp, including ESPN. During the last two seasons, the Cardinals have generated fan and media attention in their bid for a championship.

“NAU welcomes Cardinals fans to Flagstaff each year from throughout the state and the country,” Haeger said. “After two decades, Cardinals’ training camp is becoming one of our time-honored traditions.”

Training camp schedule

The Arizona Cardinals have their 2010 training camp schedule, which includes a Red & While outdoor practice and autograph session on Aug. 7.

Last year, upwards of 10,000 fans attended the Cardinal’s “Red & White” outdoor practice, which was preceded by a full-team autograph session.

The Flagstaff Sports Foundation inducted Cardinals’ owner Bill Bidwill into its Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing his contribution to the city through bringing the Cardinals to northern Arizona for more than 20 years.

Sports Illustrated rated the Cardinals training camp at NAU in the top three camps in the nation, citing the temperate summers, well-kept facilities and close proximity of players to fans.

Video

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt talked to Inside NAU during the team’s 2009 training camp
about why the Cardinals love coming to NAU to train.

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